Problems · by component

2020 Chevrolet Trax electrical system problems

28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Trax cite electrical system, 29% of all 98 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
28
29% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The exterior lighting system failed due to a severely eroded rear license plate wiring harness and a damaged, melted electrical connector piece, causing the connected lamp assembly (GM Part 13502178) to fail 7 separate times. Total failure of the rear illumination reduces nighttime vehicle visibility to other motorists, increasing rear-end collision risks. Furthermore, the eroded, melted harness creates an un-fused short circuit risk, posing an ongoing thermal/fire hazard inside the rear bumper. The failure loop was officially reproduced and confirmed by Hertrich Chevrolet on September 29th, 2026. Two other Hertrich Chevrolet dealerships had replaced/ repaired this part and they clearly misdiagnosed the core electrical issue six times previously by only replacing the plastic housing. No dashboard warning lamps appeared; symptoms were restricted to broken mounting clips and burned-out bulbs from heat degradation, which first appeared in June 2021 under the factory warranty. The failed components are AVAILABLE for inspection, as the vehicle is currently held in dealer custody under an open warranty ticket waiting for parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11767768
“I purchased a vehicle from GM Murfreesboro. I didn’t know this at the time of purchase, they sold me a used vehicle with a different vin number registered to a gray trax. [XXX] has been part of this scam. How safe is my vehicle? They sold us the car in the dark. Paid full price. I checked my vin number and it pulled up a gray trax with different features. The door didn’t close, gas tank does sense appropriately, the seal on the car is broken, the front windshield has suction cup marks on the inside and freezes with ice inside the windshield. I’ve purchased other cars from them. They probably did the same thing. I just happened to check the vin against the federal database. They are working with several local cops and tracy chavez at the dmv to do this. [XXX] made any warranty work impossible. [XXX] helps with any repairs. Was unwilling to fix this probably because this is a federal offense to charge a vin number. I have the specific local cop cars who have been at the dealership. You can’t send this to [XXX] because local law will impede this investigation and TN TBI and FBI are corrupt. Local law: [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11767833
“My 2020 Chevrolet Trax has experienced recurring brake problems for approximately two years. The issue involves the brake pedal becoming unusually resistant and the vehicle failing to brake normally when I apply the pedal. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. My first known documented occurrence was August 21, 2024, one day after I picked up the vehicle from AutoNation Chevrolet. I had dropped it off July 29, 2024, and picked it up August 20, 2024, after it was diagnosed and repaired for reduced-power issues, including shaking while driving. On August 21, 2024, I was driving normally when I attempted to brake. The brake pedal suddenly became resistant and the vehicle would not stop normally. I repeatedly pressed the brake pedal without resolving the problem. I pulled the emergency brake and waited. Approximately five minutes later, the dashboard displayed a “Service StabiliTrak” warning, along with the ABS and check-engine lights. After the warning lights appeared, the brakes began functioning normally again. This is the first occurrence I personally documented on my phone to my knowledge. Over the past two years, I have taken the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11756588
“My full complaint of the 2020 trax after buying brand new and only I as the owner and driver. Nov 2023- seat belts would not stay latched. We found out slamming on the breaks for a tractor trailer that flipped in front of us on 495. February 2024 - dash screen out, on and off as it wanted. February 2024- Heat and AC control not turning like they were super glued March 2024- dash screen out again complete black out April 2026- strut replacement @60,000 miles April 2026- water pump coolant leak April 2026- 3 serpentine belts in 3 days. I think that's all the consumer needs to be aware of, make a logical choice but the extra warranty it will save you I promise. All items have been covered by warranty, extended warranty or special warranty coverage. Make sure you research. And definitely make sure your dealership upholds their word and warranty. I carry my book with me Everytime I head to the shop. All work has been done under 63000 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735568
“Digital Display & information screen goes black, you can't see anything at all. I had an issue with my Trax not to long after I purchased it had to take it back to dealership told service manager about it, nothing was done about the display. With the display out you couldn't read any warnings at all not even temperature and blown my engine. My Trax didn't have regular gages. The dealership had free lifetime powertrain warranty, now they don't want to put a new engine it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11726824
“The Instrument panel that shows the Tire Pressure, Speed, Oil, Mileage etc. goes blank black then comes back on. Its been happening for a year and I did contacted Chevy about it. I waited for them to contact me back but they never did. I have taken it for the oil changes at the dealer but its usually on. I explain to the Chevy Dealer service about it over the phone, they told me it would cost a certain amount to fix and they needed to do a diagnosis first. This has been going on for 3 years (the turning blank on and off) while driving .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11726865

Showing 6 of 28 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.